A seamless mix of country, folk, roots and rock, this record showcases Ginger’s songwriting maturity as he wears his heart and influences on his sleeve over 10 deeply personal tracks, channelling his emotions and pouring his soul into every note. Influenced by the likes of Steve Earle, Maria McKee, Tom Waits and Richard Thompson, this is Ginger’s music on the mellow side; roots music played by a working class Geordie raised on country and Northern folk music.
“While leaning towards country music, my fairly unavoidable accent means that the songs come off less Willie Nelson and more Bobby Thompson, but every lyric is purely heartfelt and every song is as true a story as you’ll ever hear. This stuff has always been in my blood since I was a wee nipper and it’s an honour to finally get it out for people to hear” says Ginger.
“The songs largely deal with the traditionally taboo subject of mental health issues, specifically depression, which I have suffered from my whole life. Having recently weaned myself off medication, the music I make now serves as both therapy and comfort. I find relief in this music and hope that the songs bring a similar comfort to the listener. The narrative throughout is pretty confessional in nature, but I think the candid approach showcases the lyrics in a more bold and open way than a traditional rock album.”
Opening with the rousing ‘The Daylight Hotel’, which was written while receiving treatment in a mental hospital and is a peak into that world and the kind of people that reside within its walls, the album ranges from the beautiful country sounds of ‘Don’t Say Goodbye’ to the folk of ‘Golden Tears’ (a melancholic but uplifting song about the inner strength we somehow summon to fight adversity).
Recorded in John Kettle's Giraffe Studios in Wigan, ‘Ghost In The Tanglewood’ was produced by John Kettle and Dave Draper and features an all new gang of seasoned musicians that Ginger handpicked for their feel and experience. The players are Maurice Hipkiss - pedal steel, Emily Ewing - vocals, Matthew Colley - piano, Neil McCartney - fiddle and John Kettle - guitar and mandolin.
‘Ghost In The Tanglewood’ began life as a Pledge campaign, with profits donated to The Samaritans, with the main cause being suicide prevention. “I shouldn’t need to explain how very important it is to make people aware of mental health issues and suicide prevention, but this is a subject that can never be talked about enough” says Ginger. “Speaking out about mental illness is currently our strongest weapon in the war against suicide. We still live in an age where governments and communities continue to largely ignore this problem, so anything that highlights this issue is a step in the right direction. I hope I can do more to raise awareness and be a small part of the change in attitude that is needed in regards to this issue.” TRACKLISTING:
1. The Daylight Hotel
2. Paying It Forward
3. Golden Tears
4. Phantom Memories
5. Minus You
6. Remains
7. The Words Are Gonna Have To Wait
8. My Old Friend The Blues
9. The Reaper
10. Don't Say Goodbye